Weâ€re always looking for someplace new to eat. “Where do you want to eat?" "I donâ€t know, where do you want to eat†(repeat over and over) So when we heard good things about Swordfish we put it on our list. I have no idea any longer which day we actually went but weâ€d “planned†for it the night before (which is totally out of character for our crew). We even had a “Plan B†– if it was cloudy weâ€d try the next night.
The weather was beautiful. Not too hot, just a few clouds. Iâ€ve checked out this location a few trips ago when it was under another name (forget now which incarnation it was). But I knew it was one of the best views in Negril. We pull up in front – and I do mean in front – practically opened the car door and walked right in the front door (parking is pretty poor for more than one car).
We were greeted and shown upstairs. The view didnâ€t disappoint. Perfect place for a photo op and we took full advantage. The young woman trying to take our order was so sweet. It was like trying to herd cats to get us to sit down, look at the menu and make a decision. Finally we ordered. We couldnâ€t believe we were the only ones there especially after seeing the menu and prices.
While waiting for our food we enjoyed being able to see the mountains beyond the beach (that is something you miss if you never leave the beach) and observed the “goings on†of the West End road. We watched the fishermen getting their lobster traps ready and the children taking an evening deep in the sea.
When the food came, it seemed to just keep coming. We knew we wouldnâ€t walk away hungry. Iâ€d ordered fish and chips. The menu made it sound like it would be close to what Alfredâ€s serves. It wasnâ€t, but it was some of the best fish and chips Iâ€ve ever had. Smokey had ordered chicken strips and chips but it strangely resembled my fish and chips – and it was. He went ahead and tried it and decided he liked it and didnâ€t care that the order was wrong. (See, sometimes weâ€re easy to please) Smokey had also ordered the mac and cheese because is had been so highly recommended. Well, all I can say is, different strokes for different folks. He tried it and thought it was nasty, Sophie tried it and thought it was nasty, I tried it and KNEW it was nasty – but when Richie tried it and said “Thatâ€s nasty†we knew it just wasnâ€t for us (Richie will usually eat just about anything). We all hate to waste food but just could choke down more than a mouthful of that stuff.
When the server came back to see how we were doing we told her everything but the mac and cheese was great. “Maybe itâ€s a different cook tonight†we said. “No, itâ€s our regular cook and thatâ€s how it always looks.†Oh well, live and learn. Wonâ€t be ordering it ever again. But I will be going back to Swordfish (if is survives until I return).
The sun set, the moon came up and we headed back home with bellies full and a pleasant evening to remember.